I have a CB Performance 2005cc with weber 40's. I live on the cenral coast of California so the weather runs between 70 to 50 always. I wondered if anyone had an oppinion as to how long to let the motor run before driving. I have a short drive to work and drive the car not going above 4k rpm. I only let it run about 1 minute before leaving... I dont want to abuse the motor. Any thoughts???
Replies sorted oldest to newest
From the great book "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive."
" The engine should start easily and rapidly unkless it's really cold. If it drags and hesitates, make a note to do a tune up. Check the mileage since the last one. When it starts, don't rev it up nervously. There's nothing worse to do! Just let it idle slowly a minute, then a little faster to warm it up quicker but like a lamb, not a lion sort of thing. Figure 1/2 to 3 minutes to do the whole job right. This is bread, brothers and sisters. Do this warm up thing and it will make your engine last a third longer,minimum."
Personally I start my engine, tap the throttle gently to keep it running for 1/2 a minute or so then drive off keeping it under 2,000 rpms as I depart for another 1/2 minute of driving or so. In my area we have quite hot summers and mild winters so that's a plus for starting and getting going in my Speesdster.
As I start my car I always think of how dry the internals are and I want to get some oil on everything before exceeding 1,500-2,000 RPM. I never race the engine upon start up but I baby it for a little bit. If the book says that a gentle start up will extend an engine's life by a third---that tells how important gentle start ups really are.
Yes one minute run time on a cold start is sufficient. Time ensures oil reaches the cylinders and heads. Then you're good to go. What is a short drive to work? Motor needs to reach operating temp for at least 10 minutes to cook off the moisture which is a major contributor of engine oil sludge. If you are doing short drives then reduce miles between oil change. Of course use a good quality oil. I live in Florida and use 20w-50. Anybody have any thoughts / recommendations for 70 - 50 deg.
Short trips will result in a milky white residue on oil filler cap from unburnt water condensation. Will be worse if you don't have a shroud with heater flaps.
Whoa Jack, that was so emotional... couldn't have said it better. Thanks.
Long enough to roll a joint :-)
Long enough to roll a joint :-)
That's from the original 'How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive'! Then I think he changed it to 'Long enough to smoke a cigarette' and then 'long enough to get a cup of coffee'.
Ted
